Cable payout systems and methods

Abstract

A method for deploying a telecommunications cable includes obtaining a payout arrangement including a length of cable, selecting one of the first end and the second end of the length of cable to access; accessing the selected end of the length of cable; and pulling the selected end to unwind the length of cable from the payout arrangement. In some embodiments, the cable is arranged around adjacent spools. In other embodiments, the cable is arranged within a container with access opening on the top and bottom. In still other embodiments, the cable is wound around a spool and at least one spacer.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for storing a telecommunications cable, the method comprising:
 providing a spool extending longitudinally from a first end flange to a second end flange, the spool being configured to rotate about a central axis, the spool having a diameter; 
 providing at least one spacer having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending longitudinally along the spool; 
 attaching the second portion of each spacer to the first end flange of the spool so that first portion of each spacer is radially spaced from the spool; 
 winding a length of cable, which has a first end and a second end, around the spool and the first portion of each spacer to form a coil, the coil having an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the spool; 
 selecting one of the first and second ends of the length of cable for access; and 
 accessing the selected end of the length of cable. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein selecting one of the ends of the length of cable for access comprises selecting the first end; and wherein accessing the selected end of the length of cable comprises accessing the first end. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first end of the length of cable is located at an inner portion of the coil. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein accessing the first end of the length of cable comprises reaching into a gap provided between an interior of the coil and an exterior of the spool to access the first end of the length of cable. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein winding the length of cable around the spool and the at least one spacer to form the coil comprises winding the length of cable around the spool and at least four spacers to form the coil. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising removing the spacer before accessing the selected end of the length of cable. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing at least one spacer comprises providing a plurality of spacers and wherein attaching the second portion of each spacer to the first end flange of the spool comprises attaching the second portions of the plurality of spacers to the first end flange so that the spacers are disposed circumferentially about the spool and spaced from each other. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein winding the length of cable around the spool and the at least one spacer to form a coil comprises winding the length of cable so that the coil does not contact the spool.